The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philippians 4:23 NIV
Grace on Our Spirits
If you have used a credit card, you might be familiar with the grace period. But what exactly is a credit card grace period in Canada? How long is it, and what does it mean for you? The credit card grace period is the period for which you are not charged interest on your credit card balance. Credit cards are not like normal loans; if you pay back the amount you borrow within the grace period, you don’t have to pay interest. In Canada, the grace period is usually 21 days.
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The Philippian Christians had been so generous in their support of Paul’s ministry. They had sent him donations to ensure that he was amply supplied for the mission to which God had called him. I don’t know about you, but when I receive a gift, I always feel a bit beholden to the gift giver, and want to give something in return. I think that is basic human nature. Paul had nothing to give in return for the gifts the Philippians had sent. He was in a prison cell in Rome when he wrote this – he had nothing to his name at this point. So, as he wraps up his letter, he gives them the only thing he had – a blessing. In the last verse of his epistle, Philippians 4:23, he writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” We must never forget that when we give a blessing to another in the name of the Lord Jesus, we are offering something unique and special. When you have nothing else to give, send a blessing.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley